Intel fetes Pinoy student for developing fungicide vs 'banana blightGMA News Online, May 23, 2013"From Philippines, Judel Jay Tabsing from Panabo National High School won fourth award in the plant sciences: agriculture and agronomy category and awarded $500.00 for his project entitled impatiens balsamina (kamantigue) leaf extract as potential fungicide against fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race four causing fusarium wilt of banana," Intel said.

On Science Investigatory ProjectMylene M. Uy, D.Sc.Chemistry DepartmentMSU-Iligan Institute of TechnologyIligan City

The Idea of Mentoring used today in every almost every forum of learning Mentoring relationships commonly form across broad experience gaps e.g. professor/teacher to student. Scientific mentoring is a personal, one-on-one relationship wherein the mentor is exposed to the mentees energy and ideas, and the mentee receives the necessary guidance and encouragement.http://www.hhmi.org/labmanagement

Traits of a Good Mentorhttp://www.hhmi.org/labmanagement Accessibility: An approachable attitude

Empathy: Personal insight into what the mentee is experiencing

Open-mindedness: Respect for the mentees individuality

Consistency: Acting on your stated principles on a regular basis

Patience: Awareness that people make mistakes

Honesty: Ability to communicate the hard truths

Savvy: Attention to the pragmatic aspects of things

Roles of a Mentor an advisor with career experience willing to share his/her knowledge, expertise and skills;

a supporter who gives emotional and moral encouragement;

a tutor who gives specific feedback on one's performance;

a sponsor of information about and aid in obtaining opportunities;

a role model of identityCouncil of Graduate Schools (http://www.cgsnet.org )

Strategies for Effective Mentoring Make everything a learning opportunity

Set specific goals and measures of accomplishment

Encourage strategic thinking and creativityMake the student/mentee feel empowered toSeek whatever he needs to do good science.Dont rush in too quickly with interpretations of data or solutions to problems. Let the mentee take the first stab. Be thoughtful and ask probing and guiding questions.

Strategies for Effective Mentoring(contd.) Uphold professional standards

Impart technical skills

Give moral supportEncourage good time-management techniques and record keeping; Offer criticism in a way that doesnt shame and discourage them.be supportive and honest; give extra encouragementwhen the research isnt going smoothly

as advisor: a mentor must guide the students research from beginning to completion: Selection of a topic Writing the research proposal Performing the research Critical Evaluation of the research data Writing the report Making the presentation exhibit How to go through the oral defense

The Basics of Research

What is research?

Aims of research

Attributes of high-quality research

Types of research

Why conduct research

What is research?the systematic approach to discovery and validation of knowledge

Involves: finding answers to questionsdiscovering and interpreting new factstesting theories in order to revise accepted theories and/or laws in the light of new factsformulating new theories

an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions

Aims of researchObserve and describe: describes what is going on or what exists Predict: predicts trend or pattern

Explain: establishes correlations and postulating a casual mechanism (theory or hypothesis) to explain events

Interpret: understands the reasons and intentions behind individual actions

Attributes of high-quality researchIt is based on the work of others.It can be replicated.It is generalizable (from sample to population).It is based on some logical rationale and tied to theory.It is doable.It generates new questions or is cynical in nature.It is incremental.It is an apolitical activity that should be undertaken for the betterment of society.

Types of ResearchAccording to its purpose:

Exploratory (formulative) research

conducted when only few / no earlier studies to which references can be made for information

the focus is on gaining insights and familiarity with the subject area for more rigorous investigation later

Types of Research

Descriptive research

used to identify and obtain information on the characteristics of a particular issue

goes further than exploratory research in examining a problemAccording to its purpose:

Analytical research

a continuation of descriptive research

the researcher goes beyond merely describing the characteristics, to analyze and explain why or how something is happening

According to its purpose:

Predictive research

forecasts the likelihood of a similar situation occurring elsewhere

provides how, why and where answers to current events as well as similar events in the future

also helps answer to what if questions These types are important elements in marketing, technological and social science fields.According to its purpose:

Type of ResearchExampleExploratoryAn interview survey among clerical staff in a particular office, department, company,group of companies, industry, region and so on, to find out what motivates them toincrease their productivity (that is, to see if a research problem can be formulated).DescriptiveA description of how the selected clerical staff are rewarded and what measures areused to record their productivity levels.AnalyticalAn analysis of any relationships between the rewards given to the clerical staff andtheir productivity levels.PredictiveA forecast of which variable(s) should be changed in order to bring about a change inthe productivity levels of clerical staff.

According to its process:Quantitative research

Usually starts with a theory or a general statement proposing a general relationship between variables

Typically concentrates on measuring or counting and involves collecting and analyzing numerical data and applying statistical tests

According to its process:Qualitative research

the investigator views the phenomena to be investigated as more personal and softer

uses methods such as personal accounts, unstructured interviews and participant observations to gain an understanding of the underlying reasons and motivations for peoples attitudes, preferences or behaviors

emphasizes more on generating hypotheses from data collection rather than testing a hypothesis

According to the outcome of research:Applied research

problem-oriented

concerned with applying scientific theory to real-life problems

carried out to solve a specific problem that requires a decision

Basic research

conducted primarily to improve our understanding of general issues, without any emphasis on its immediate applications

most academic form of research since the principal aim is to make a contribution to knowledge, usually for the general good, rather than to solve a specific problem for one organization

According to the outcome of research:

May take the form of:

Discovery where a totally new idea or explanation emerges from empirical research which may revolutionize thinking on that particular topic.

Invention where a new technique or method is created.

Reflection where an existing theory, technique or group of ideas is re-examined possibly in a different organizational or social context.

Action researchaction is both an outcome and part of the research

researcher interferes with or changes deliberately- what is being researched leading to a loss of critical, detached objectivity

has the following approaches:

Classical Action Research begins with the idea that if you want to understand something, you should try changing it.

New Paradigm Research claims that research can never be neutral and that most static and conventional research exposes the need for change in what is being researched. Those being researched can decide how the research will be undertaken, in what form and with what questions being asked.

Why conduct research?to review and synthesize existing knowledge to investigate some existing situation or problem to provide solutions to a problem to explore and analyse more general issues to construct or create a new procedure or system to explain a new phenomenon to generate new knowledge a combination of any of the above.

Phases in Conducting a Science Investigatory ProjectPHASE I : THE PROPOSALPHASE II: THE INVESTIGATIONPHASE III. THE OUTPUTThe Written ReportThe ExhibitThe Oral Defense

Phase I: The ProposalWhat is an IP proposal?

Purposes of an IP proposal

Core components of an IP proposal

Additional components of an IP proposal

Tips and SuggestionsOne's research is only as a good as one's proposal.

What is an IP proposal?A written document which describes the project the researcher plans to do:

What the researcher plans to accomplish

Why he wants to do it

How is he going to do it

Core Components of an IP ProposalA description of the research question

An indication of why the problem is important

A review of relevant literature

A description of the proposed methodology

A time frame

Or in plain EnglishWhat does the researcher want to do?

Why does he want to do it?

Why is it important?

Who has done similar work?

How is the researcher going to do it?

How long will it take?

Sample Outline for an IP ProposalTitle of Study

IntroductionBackground of the StudyStatement of the ProblemSignificance of the StudyScope and Delimitation

Theoritical FrameworkReview of Related Literature and StudiesSynthesisConceptual FrameworkHypotheses or AssumptionDefinition of Terms and Variables

MethodologyResearch DesignSamples and Sampling TechniquesInstrumentationData Gathering ProcedureStatistical Analysis

Time Table (Duration of the Research)Budgetary RequirementsReferences Cited

Some thoughts and suggestionson the components

Describing the research questionThe formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old questions from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science. (Einstein & Infeld, 1938)

Describing the research questionFirst, find a research question!

Observation of the world

Concern with theory

Previous research

Practical concerns

Personal interests

Choosing a research questionA broad research area is not a research question.

Formulate a number of questions, and weigh up the pros and cons.

The proposal must reflect that the question has been thought through.

Criteria for choosing include..Access to information

Access to resources

Theoritical background

Value of research

Researchers skills

Is question big or small enough

External requirements

Overall probability of successful completion

Interest to researcher

Title of the StudyDefines the area of interest, identifying the subject of research (purpose of study)

Carries the central theme and paints a quick picture of the key ideas of the project

Should be clear, unambiguous, short and meaningful

I. INTRODUCTIONSets the tone for the rest of the proposal

Establishes the researchers credibility and the significance of his ideas

Conveys the importance of the research problem

Background of the studyIncludes the setting of the identified research problem

Presentation should be directed into what the problem is investigating.

Can include studies and literature which can strengthen the reason for the investigation

The flow of discussion should naturally lead to the presentation of the problem.

Statement of the Problemincludes the objectives of the study

Problem should be stated both in general terms and specific terms

General statement of the problem is usually a reiteration of the title of the study

Specific problems should be quantifiable and measureable and specifically stated

Significance of the Research The research must be of value, e.g.

Practical value in solving problems

Value to policy development

Contribution to theory

Contribution to body of knowledge within a field of discipline

Scope and Limitations: Setting the limitsSpecify the limits of the research in a way which makes in clear what is and what is not to be studied through, for example,

Definitions

Time spans

Geographical boundaries

Other limits as appropriate to the field of study

THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK

Review of Related Literature and StudiesProvides a conceptual framework for the research

Provides an integrated overview of the field of study

Helps establish the need for the research

May help clarify the research problem

Helps demonstrate the researchers familiarity with the area under consideration (theory and/or methods)

Skills involved in producing a literature reviewSurveying a comprehensive range of existing materials and sources in the general areas of the study:

Speaking to other investigators working in the same related fieldsSpeaking to other investigators from other disciplinesSearching the journals related to the topicSearching Internet for relevant information

Selecting those that will be most relevant and significant for the particular project

Skills involved in producing a literature review

Understanding and analyzing the central findings and arguments

Synthesizing the findings and integrating them into the IP proposal

A good literature review generally contains an argument.

How to write a literature reviewThe ways in which the authors being reviewed will be relevant to the project should be indicated. (information; theory; methodology)

The similarities and differences between these works and paradigms must be understood and demonstrated. (Where do they stand in relation to each other? Where does the project stand in relation to them?)

How to write a literature review

The works that are being referred to should reflect recent scholarship as well as those considered of seminal importance.

If the study is cross-disciplinary or comparative, how the different areas of research can be drawn together in a meaningful way has to be described.

Questions that help in compiling a literature reviewWhat are the broad bodies of literature that have relevance for the research topic ( local and international)?

What theoritical model/s relate to the IP topic?

What theories, methods and results have previous researches in the selected field produced?

What is the history of the area of study?

Questions to help you in compiling a literature reviewWhat are the most recent findings in the selected area of study?

What gaps or contradictions exist among these findings?

What new research questions do these findings suggest?

What structure suits the literature review best?

What should be left out?

SynthesisA necessary portion of the review of related literature

Presents the relationship of the present study to the investigations being reviewed; summarizes and emphasizes its relevance to the current study

Conceptual FrameworkA scheme formulated out of the review of related literature and studies conducted: the researchers own position on the problem

must clarify the relationships between and among the major variables of the study

Should be illustrated further in a conceptual paradigm

Hypothesis or AssumptionsTentative formulations or explanations about the expected outcomes of the study

A null hypothesis represents the current view/explanation of an aspect of the world; this is the researcher wants to challenge.

An alternative form (research hypothesis) which could be tested using statistical tools, is often formulated to test the null hypothesis.

Definition of Terms and Variables: Setting the LimitsProvide explicit definitions for key concepts

Terms dont always have single meanings understood in the same way by all

the readers should not be under- or overestimated

mechanistic dictionary definitions of all terms must be avoided

III. METHODOLOGY

What does the methodology section do? What should it contain?The methodology section shows the reader how the researcher is going to set about looking for answers to the research question (including, if appropriate materials and methods to be used).

It must include enough detail to demonstrate that the researcher is competent and the project is feasible.

The proposed methods must be appropriate to the type of research.

Research Design/ Method scheme or plan of action to be used to meet the research objectives of the study

A detailed plan on how the research will be conducted

Defines the quality of the research output

the Scientific Method is a standard on how to doresearchthat aims to discover new knowledge

The Scientific Method of Research a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments

General Types of Research DesignExperimental method

Historical method

Descriptive method

Content Analysis

Case Study

Feasibility Study

Survey Method

Experimental Method

Utilizes experimentation

Describes and analyzes variable to know the occurrence of a particular event

Considered the most prestigious method in advancing scientific knowledge

May be performed outside or inside the laboratory conditions

Involves variables: processes/conditions or anything that can be quantitatively or qualitatively changed from one condition to another ; dependent or independent

Usually involves two groups: control and experimental groups

Historical MethodA critical investigation of the past events, experiences and development

Involves the careful evaluation of the sources of past information and the interpretations of the weighted evidence

Helps discover the truth and shed light on the issues under study

Descriptive MethodDescribes the nature of a situation as it is exists at the time of the study and explores the course of a particular phenomenon

Used to discover facts on which judgment could be biased

Used in different fields of study due to its applicability to solve various kinds of methods

Samples and Sampling TechniquesBrief description or profile of the population involved in the research study

Sampling size; how will it be determined

Specific technique/s to be used in selecting the samples

Ways to Determine Representativeness of SamplesUse of percentage: Acceptable representative samples in the populationdescriptive research :20% for a population of 500 and less and 10% for a population of 1000 or moreExperimental research: 30 per group or 15 sub-subjects

Use of specific margin of error: appropriate margin of error for a population size+5% for 500+3% for 1500

Use of formula N where n = size of sample n = ---------------- l = constant l + (n) (e)2 N =size of population e = desired margin of error

Sampling TechniquesThe Probability SamplingThe process of selecting a suitable sample of study where each member of the population is given equal chance to be selectedMay be random, systematic or cluster

The Non-probability SamplingUses no system of selecting samples, hence there is no guarantee of equal chances of representation in the samplesMay be accidental, purposive or quota

InstrumentationThe process of developing devices that could be used to gather data on the study

In S & T: description of the facilities that will be used for the project

Data Gathering Procedure

Details of data gathering procedure

Includes a time frame for the collection of data

Who will do the data collection

Statistical Analysis What statistical procedure should be used in analyzing the research data and why?

Should be in consonance with the objectives and hypotheses of the study

Commonly Used Statistical ToolsMeanMedianModeTests of SignificanceParametric testsThe Pearson Product-Moment CorrelationOne-way Anova or F-TestTwo-Way Anova or Two-Way TestT-Test for Independent Sample MeansT-Test for Dependent Sample MeansZ-TestNon-parametric testsChi-square Goodness of Fit TestChi-square of Test of Association

Some Thoughts About WritingThe work must always be structured in advance.

The researcher must know what he wants to say before writing.

Every sentence must contain one idea only.

Each sentence must follow logically from the one before. A well-written text is a chain of ideas.

Notes on StyleDo produce a professional looking proposal be interesting be informative write in way that is easy to read include a contents page use clear headings and sub-headings be concise and precise use simple language wherever possible construct clear arguments check the spelling and grammar reference the work fully using an acceptable format

Notes on Style

Dont

use words when not absolutely certain of their meaning

use difficult words just to impress the readers

use overly simplistic language

digress

Success IndicatorsClearly defined IP questionAppropriate literature provides a background to the studyUse of other sources to identify/support the problemObjectives clearly specifiedConceptual framework & theoritical assumptions clearly statedAppropriate design & methodologyPromotes further research/investigationPreliminary data/ pilot studyNecessary resources available

Failure IndicatorsToo longPoor structure, language usedInappropriate use of technical termsResearch too ambitiousNo literature reviewLiterature review copiedNo theoritical foundationBudget not linked to methodologyUnrealistic costingMethods not clearMethods inappropriateNo references/ bibliography

Phase II: The Investigation The researcher should know what to do; should be prepared and think ahead about safety. All observations during the experiment must be recorded in a notebook.

The experimental procedure must be exactly followed. If changes have to done, which often happens, they should be recorded.

The researcher must be consistent, careful, and accurate when taking measurements.

The whole experiment must be documented (pictures/ videos) as possible for use in the exhibit.

Phase III: The Output

The Written Report Title Abstract

lets people quickly determine if they want to read the entire report; must be exciting and engaging!

should be one or two paragraphs only

usually contains an introduction, the problem statement, the procedure, results and conclusion

Things to Avoid in Preparing the Abstract jargon or any technical terms that most readers won't understand

abbreviations or acronyms that are not commonly understood unless their meanings are described

Abstracts do not have a bibliography or citations.

Abstracts do not contain tables or graphs.

If working with a scientist or mentor, the abstract should only include procedures done by the researcher and acknowledgements to anyone should not be put.

Significance of the StudyScope and Delimitation of the StudyDefinition of Terms

Review of Related Literature and StudiesChapter 2

Chapter 3MethodologyThe Subject of the StudyThe Procedure(s)The Statistical TreatmentThe Written Report (contd.) Chapter 1 Introduction and Its Background Statement of the Problem Formulation of the Hypothesis

The Written Report (contd.) Chapter 4

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data Data may be presented through table or graph. Both may also be used if you want to clearly figure out your data.

A table must be properly labelled.

Graph can be line graph, bar graph, pie graph and pictograph.

Analyze the data scientifically. Interpret them according to what had been quantified and measured. Numerical data should be interpreted clearly in simple and descriptive statements.

The Written Report (contd.) Chapter 5

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations The Summary should be brief (one or two paragraphs only) and must include the research problems, methodology and findings.

The Conclusion is the direct statement based on findings or results. It should answer the hypothesis and research problems.

The Recommendation consists of suggestions on future actions such as a new direction of research or further experiments to be performed, practices that might be adapted or discard in order to attain certain goals or objectives.

Phase III: The Output

2. The Exhibit must be attractive and informative

must make it easy for interested spectators and judges to assess the study and the results obtained.

must make the most of the space using clear and concise displayThe display should be a promotional presentation and not a full description of the project.

A general display board layout: Organize the information like a newspaperso that the audience can quickly follow the thread of the experiment by reading from top to bottom, then left to right. Include each step of the science IP.

A font size of at least 16 pointsmust be used for the text on the display board, so that it is easy to read from a few feet away; slightly smaller fonts for captions on picture and tables are acceptable. The title should be big and easily read from across the room; should accurately describe the work, but must also grab peoples attention. A picture speaks a thousand words!Photos or diagrams must be used to present non- numerical data, to propose models that explain the results, or just to show the experimental setup. But, text must not be put on top of photographs or images since it can be very difficult to read.

Phase III: The Output

3. The Oral DefensePractice Makes Perfect! Be Professional! The researcher should communicate his IP well.

A short "speech" (about 25 minutes long) must be prepared summarizing the project. The researcher gives this speech when he first meets the judges. Use simple terms so anyone can understand it.

A list of possible questions must be organized and prepare/practice answers for them.

The researcher must practice explaining the project to others and pretend they are judges.

Phase III: The Output

3. The Oral Defense (contd.) The researcher should make good use of the display board; pointing to diagrams and graphs when discussing them.

He should always be positive and enthusiastic!

He should be confident with his answers and not mumble.

If he has no idea what the judge is asking, or do not know the answer to their question, it is okay to say "I do not know."

Phase III: The Output

3. The Oral Defense (contd.) If the researcher doesnt agree with the judges comment? Thats OK! The researcher should not get into an argument with the judge.

If he feels the need to defend his point, he should politely explain it to the judge. If the judge is still adamant about his point, the researcher must thank him and and agree it is an important point the judge has brought up later the researcher can think more about it who knows, maybe the judge is right after all (and maybe hes not).

DOST Priority Areas of Research Agriculture and Food Biotechnology Disaster Mitigation and Management Environment and Natural Resources Electronics Energy Genomics Health ICT Manufacturing Nanotechnology Semiconductors

These fronts represent areas of current focus and are key fields to watch in 2013.Some prominent themes: climate change; cell signaling; quantum behavior; energy research; computing for analysis, visualization, and modeling; and the importance of technology in the form of powerful instrumentation as a driver of scientific discovery and, ultimately, of innovations that can transform our world.

Agricultural, Plant and Animal Sciences Impact of climate change on food crops

Comprehensive classification of fungi based on molecular evolutionary analysis

Arabidopsis chloroplast RNA editing

Plant signaling compounds in relation to stress, damage and developmental processes

Insect resistance to transgenic crops

Ecology and Environmental Sciences Ocean acidification and marine ecosystems

Biodiversity and functional ecosystems

Mangrove forests and climate change

Models and impacts of land-use change

Pharmaceutical residues in environmental water and wastewater

Community ecology and phylogenetic comparative biology

Climate warming, altered thermal niches, and species impact

Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics Photocatalytic hydrogen production/ Alternative Energy

Nanoparticles/ Nanomaterials

Solar cells

Drug discovery

Green Chemistry

Material Composites

Superconductors

Helpful Web resources

http://www.scienceproject.com/index.asp

http:www.investogatoryprojectexample.com/science-projects/

http://explorable.com/research-basics

http://www.juliantrubin.com/branchesofsciencefair.html

http://www.makeitsolar.com/index.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/

http://regon3.dost.gov.ph/

WorkshopGroup yourselves into five (5).

Choose a research topic. Give possible research questions and evaluate. Choose one and refine it as much as possible.

Construct the title.

Write down the objectives of the study.

Give the scope and limitation.

What research design(s)/ method(s) would you use?

*